Plastic straws often end up as litter and contribute to plastic pollution in the sea.

The move comes after estimates that 8.5 billion straws are used in Britain every year - or more than 23 million a day - which is contributing to the death of marine animals, according to the Marine Conservation Society.

Given the size of the company's purchasing power, McDonald's says it hopes the shift will "support industrywide change and bring sustainable solutions to scale", said Francesca DeBiase, head of global supply chain and sustainability at the company.

A number of other companies have made the move to paper straws in recent times, including Burger King, Costa Coffee, Wagamama and pub chain JD Wetherspoon, all of whom operate in Ireland.

Some manufacturers have previously argued against the removal of plastic straws because they are needed by some people with disabilities, children and the elderly.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said the initiative was "simple but effective" and is a "fine example to other large businesses".